The Oakdale man killed during the carrying out of a search warrant Thursday apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to police.
St. Paul police, who are investigating the case, issued a news release Friday identifying the man as Mark Kuzel, 53. Police say he had fired at officers, wounding one in the arm, before apparently committing suicide.
Police have not identified the officer who was wounded, but said Oakdale officer Joe Groppoli returned fire after Kuzel shot his colleague.
The shooting occurred about 8 a.m. in the 2700 block of Granite Avenue during a search by Oakdale police and a special agent from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
According to police: The officers knocked on the door and announced their presence several times. They received no response, so they forced the door open and entered the home. The officers began to clear and secure the home when Kuzel shot one of them.
Officer Groppoli fired at Kuzel, and all the officers retreated.
"Kuzel stated he did not want to go to jail," the news release said. "Officers then heard a single gunshot come from inside the house."
Officers found Kuzel inside with a gunshot wound to the head. They rendered aid and called for medics. Kuzel was taken to Regions Hospital, where he later died.
